
Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 530 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour worth booking?
Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Vancouver, Canada, from $72 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 530 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (530)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $72 per person
Travel along the coastline of English Bay on this 90-minute city and seal tour in Vancouver. Visit Lighthouse Park, over to the Seal Colony and into False Creek. See Stanley Park, English Bay Beach, the Lions Gate Bridge, the beautiful homes of West Vancouver, plus offshore freighters, the Seal Colony, Lighthouse Park, Siwash Rock, Jericho Sailing Centre, Kitsilano Beach, Granville Island, the Science World Geodesic Dome, Yale Town, and much more!
What you get
About this experience
Travel along the coastline of English Bay on this 90-minute city and seal tour in Vancouver. Visit Lighthouse Park, over to the Seal Colony and into False Creek. See Stanley Park, English Bay Beach, the Lions Gate Bridge, the beautiful homes of West Vancouver, plus offshore freighters, the Seal Colony, Lighthouse Park, Siwash Rock, Jericho Sailing Centre, Kitsilano Beach, Granville Island, the Science World Geodesic Dome, Yale Town, and much more!
What's included
Included
- 12-passenger Zodiac boat. Up to 6 boats.
- Local Guide
- Lifejacket / Warming suit
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
What you'll see and do
Granville Island
We will start our journey here. Please Arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour start time. Granville Island is a lively cultural hub known for its public market, artisan shops, theaters, and waterfront views.
10 minutes here
False Creek
In False Creek, see and hear about Granville Island, Yaletown, the Bridges of Vancouver, the Science World Geodesic Dome, and our Sports Stadiums before returning to the dock.
Pass by without stopping
Burrard Bridge
Travel under the Burrard Bridge on your way in and out of False Creek.
Pass by without stopping
Vancouver Downtown
Take a look at a vibrant and interesting area with bright lights, skyscrapers, and beautiful scenery.
5 minutes here
Downtown
Take a look at a vibrant and interesting area with bright lights, skyscrapers, and beautiful scenery.
5 minutes here
Yaletown
Pass by Vancouver's Yaletown while traveling through False Creek.
Pass by without stopping
Kitsilano Beach
While heading across the harbor towards UBC, the guide will lead the way past the Spanish Banks, the Jericho Sailing Center, Point Grey, and Kitsilano Beach on the return trip back into False Creek.
Pass by without stopping
English Bay Beach
This is a Vancouver boat tour you won’t forget, where you will travel along the epic coastline of English Bay, out to Lighthouse park, over to the Seal Colony and back into False Creek.
30 minutes here
Stanley Park
We will see Stanley park from the boat as we leave Vancouver
Pass by without stopping
Siwash Rock
Head to Siwash Rock and check out some of the ocean freighters before visiting Lighthouse Park.
Pass by without stopping
After departing from Granville Island, travel out into Vancouver Harbour. The tour guide will tell stories, share facts, and give a short history of Vancouver.
Pass by without stopping
Lions Gate Bridge
Discover an amazing view of Lion's Gate Bridge.
5 minutes here
Lighthouse Park
Around the corner from the park, check out the local seal colony where roughly 400 seals live.
5 minutes here
Visit the local seal colonies!
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Vancouver
Check-in is 30 minutes before departure. Please allow yourself extra time to find parking if you are driving. Granville Island is very busy and parking is limited.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Check-in is 30 minutes before departure. Please allow yourself extra time to find parking if you are driving. Granville Island is very busy and parking is limited.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Vancouver Water Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum height of 4ft/1.2m
- Minimum 4 guests required to run a tour. Minimum can be met by multiple parties.
- 12-passenger Zodiac boat. Up to 6 boats.
- Not recommended for pregnant guests
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 530 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
530 verified traveler reviews for Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun water tour. Boat goes...
Fun water tour. Boat goes fast so don't expect a slow meandering cruise. They do offer insulated gear which was nice. It does get cold out on the water.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We hope we see you soon
via Viator
Highly recommended, worth every penny
Amazing tour! The boat is open, you will receive special clothes to keep you warm while sailing. The seats are comfortable, the sail is quite (quite engine), lovely guide and very knowledgeable. The tour is not just for seals sight, but also for historical sites in Vancouver bay. Duration is jusr right (1.5 hours).
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We are so glad to hear you liked it!
via Viator
Best boat tour ever!
When we first arrived we were a little unsure. Everyone was in serious one piece water suits. What in the heck did we get ourselves into? But it was a lot of fun. My husband and I get sea sick so we were a little worried at first. The water was calm, the sky was clear and our driver/guide was fabulous. They also give you coupons for a free lager to Vancouver Seafood which I would recommend for lunch.
Response from the operator: Our suits can definitely cause a strange first impression, we are happy to know that everything other than that went great! We hope we can see you soon!
via Tripadvisor
Fun with Friends
This boat trip was educational and exciting. Rather than just slowly cruising around seeing the sights, our captain, Sam, made our boat tip a lot of fun.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We are glad to know you enjoy your time in the water with us!
via Viator
What a great experience!...
What a great experience! The city tour is nice and informative but I was there for the critters. And we were lucky enough to see lots of wildlife. In addition to adorable seals and their babies, we saw bald Eagle and TWO WHALES!! Markem, the 'whale whisperer', was a fantastic captain and guide. He made it fun and informative, adding music and "donuts" ( not the edible kind!) Well worth it, JUST DO IT !!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We can’t wait to welcome you back on the water with us.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $72 to $119
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 186
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Vancouver Water Adventures, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Vancouver Water Adventures runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vancouver.
How much does Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $72 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Vancouver usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour take?
+
Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Vancouver is not rushed.
Is Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 530 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Vancouver, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour?
+
Around 186 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Vancouver can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Vancouver and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Vancouver within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Vancouver?
+
On Outty we rank every Vancouver experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Grand Bicycle Tour of Vancouver, The Stanley Park Bicycle Tour, Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Vancouver?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour?
+
Included: 12-passenger Zodiac boat. Up to 6 boats; Local Guide; and Lifejacket / Warming suit. Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel pick-up and drop off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour?
+
Check-in is 30 minutes before departure. Please allow yourself extra time to find parking if you are driving. Granville Island is very busy and parking is limited. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Not recommended for pregnant guests. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour?
+
Across 530 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour.
Pick your date




